Talk'n Hawks

Buffalo came into the United Center (how many home games do we get this season?—just wait, 9 in a row out of town soon) on Wednesday night. You really hate to see a team that seems to be looking forward to the off season BEFORE the All Star break, but you get that feeling watching the Sabres right now.

The Hawks won 6-2, and by the way, STILL remain the only team in the NHL without a shut out. I know that “they don’t ask how, they ask how many”, but seriously, we’re 47 games in. As a side note to the game, there was a goal that was disallowed in the game. Shaw knocked down the puck with his hand, to his stick, passed it to Kruger, who knocked it in. The goal was immediately waived off. The officials met, skated to the head set for about 5 seconds and then they played on with no explanation. A few minutes later, Edzo explained that the whistle hand blown due to a hand pass, (wrong call) which was passed on to him by a friend in Toronto. I can live with wrong calls, and I usually never even mention them. It is part of every sport. However, if that’s the call, EXPLAIN on the ice to the crowd & those who are watching at home. You can’t hope that Eddie O. calls every game & uses his connections!

It was Crawford (17-10-4) against not Miller (yes, I was a little disappointed, I still like to watch him) but, Enroth (8-8-3). As for the Hawks line, the “Kid Watch” continued with Shaw on the second, Hayes on the third, and Smith on the fourth.

In the 1st period, I was aggravated early by Kane passing up an open shot form Toews in front (this guy is guilty of THINKING rather than REACTING lately) only to try & squeeze in a pass. Minutes later, Stalberg did the same thing. I have probably yelled ‘Shoot” to my TV screen more than any other thing this season. On a break away, Pominville, sent a wrist shot past Cro, 1-0. The Hawks had a Power Play (18% - 13th) which ended a few seconds before Andrew Shaw scored to tie it 1-1. The kid now has 5 goals in his first 8 games! His roster spot seems pretty secure when Sharp comes back. Toews, on another Hawks Power Play, scored off a rebound, 2-1. The Hawks out shot the Sabres 14-10.

In the second, Buffalo’s captain (Pominville) again scored to tie it up 2-2. This was a little over a minute in on a Hawks Penalty Kill (79%- 25th, and slowly creeping up). A few minutes later, Hossa came in alone from the blue line on a nice pass from Keith 3-2 Jimmy Hayes (another kid who doesn’t seem to be putting on an Ice Hogs jersey anytime soon) scored his 4th goal in his first 10 games. He also has 3 assists, by the way. There were a couple more successful P.K.‘s and then the “hand pass” incident and the period ended. 4-2 Hawks, who out shot them 10-8.

In the 3rd, Bolland scored off a Hayes pass to go up 5-2 The Hawks later went on the Power Play, and then seconds later had a 5 on 3. Toews scored less than 10 seconds in for the final goal of the game 6-2. There was one more successful P.K. later in the period, but that was it.